Decoding the structural and functional basis of biodiversity

The current global transformation of ecosystems is triggering a planetary biodiversity crisis and massive extinctions. The loss of biodiversity worldwide presents substantial risks for our human life-support system, since it has serious impacts on water quality and availability, food production, and human health, among many others. However, the scientific foundation for understanding the structure, function and vulnerability of biodiversity is still insufficient.

The main objective of the Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) is to provide the required knowledge to tackle the fundamental, global challenge of rapid biodiversity change. To achieve its goal, BBIB crosses traditional academic boundaries through integrating competences in ecological, evolutionary, social, and political sciences available in the Berlin region. BBIB is designed as a flexible institution of four universities and five non-university institutes of the Leibniz Association.